St Michael s Collegiate School School Psychologist Last Review: Mar 2015 Conducted by: Deputy Principal, Principal Page 1 of 8
About the School St Michael s Collegiate is a leading Anglican girls' school set in idyllic grounds, with Mount Wellington as a backdrop, in the heart of the beautiful city of Hobart, Tasmania. Collegiate provides a world class education in a safe corner of the globe known for its scenic beauty, life style, culture and warm sense of community and the school is located just a short stroll from Salamanca Market, the vibrant waterfront precinct and the CBD. Our mission is to seek excellence through a creative, dynamic and connected environment offering outstanding preparation for today and tomorrow. Established in 1892, Collegiate is a K to 12 Anglican day and boarding school for girls, steeped in history and heritage. For over 124 years, young women have been part of a strong community celebrated for its rich blend of academic excellence, sporting endeavours, creative arts and co-curricular activities. The School has a well-deserved reputation for academic excellence - a symbol of the remarkable teaching and learning framework that has long challenged our girls to be forward thinkers and problem solvers. Reflecting our focus on the needs of girls and young women, Collegiate offers a three campus structure to best cater for students as they progress through different developmental stages. Our Junior School is renowned for its warm community village feel and is designed specifically to support the needs of girls from the Early Learning Years through to Year 4. The Junior School environment abounds with excitement as each girl embarks on her own learning adventure and begins to form lifelong friendships. From Years 5 to 8, Collegiate students move into the Middle School Campus where learning affords them further independence and responsibilities as they journey towards adolescence. The Middle School is rich in its support network as girl s transition through this special time in their lives. It is in this environment that girls develop independence as learners and move to take responsibility for their own personal growth. Collegiate's Senior School delivers outstanding facilities and support for young women in Years 9 to 12. Students are encouraged to explore a myriad of pathways for the future. Each young woman is mentored towards attaining her personal best and is empowered to grasp opportunity. Collegiate is committed to developing a culture of high expectations that nourishes the development of creative, confident, accomplished young women who are well prepared for the many challenges and opportunities, equipping students to be set for life. Page 2 of 8
POSITION DESCRIPTION Job Title School Psychologist Commencement Date Term 3, 2016 or as agreed Department All Campuses Employment Basis Contract, maximum term (3 years + 1 + 1 year option) Location Senior Campus Reports to (title): Deputy Principal POSITION PURPOSE This position emphasises the value the School places on providing quality student care that supports the School s Mission and Guiding Principles and our academic and pastoral provisions. The School Psychologist will contribute to the delivery of quality student care within the St Michael s Collegiate community. The School Psychologist will work closely and collaboratively with the Academic Management Team and staff in Student Care roles. The School Psychologist is expected to develop a full understanding of, and play a significant role in, the welfare, support and pastoral care needs of students in the School from Kindergarten to Year 12. The School Psychologist will play a significant role in the further development of student care and wellbeing within the school, and engage in proactive support programs and activities. The School Psychologist will be aligned with the School s ethos, vision and values. The School Psychologist will possess a positive outlook, exceptional interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence with demonstrated ability to build authentic, collaborative relationships. Page 3 of 8
WORKING CONDITIONS & RELATIONSHIPS Direct Reports Indirect Reports Nil Nil Key Internal Relationships Works with Academic Management Team. Member of the Critical Incident Team Liaises directly with Principal, Deputy Principal, Heads of School, Director of Boarding, Career s Counsellor Workplace Health & Safety Screen based equipment, working under pressure, resolution of conflict Environmental Nil KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES The School Psychologist manages the following areas of responsibility: Educational and Psychological Assessment Pastoral and Academic Care of Students Support (Kinder Year 12) Communication to staff and parents Student Counselling TASC Special Consideration Support and assess students at risk. Page 4 of 8
KEY RESULT AREAS PASTORAL Liaise with the Principal, Deputy Principal, Heads of School and other senior staff in the overall management of student care from K to 12. Support the Student Wellbeing Program in the School. Support Classroom Teachers, Pastoral Contacts and Mentors in their role as first point of contact for students and parents in difficulty. Assist in supporting the general wellbeing of students. Provide Professional Learning for staff on student care issues. Contribute to the development of the current Wellbeing Program. Provide Parent Education Programs as required. Attend and support School activities. CLINICAL Undertake intellectual, educational and psychological assessment. and diagnosis in all areas of child and adolescent development. Provide counselling and consultancy to the St Michal s Collegiate. Community concerning students with learning difficulties, social and emotional difficulties and students with physical disabilities. Provide programs for individuals and groups for a range of mental health, emotional and family issues. Provide support and referrals for students to external professionals. Remain up to date with psychological and educational law policies and guidelines. Possess an understanding of ethical requirements with mandatory reporting regulations. ADMINISTRATION Collect, collate and maintain student information and records to meet legislative requirements. Maintain professional case notes. Document and provide reports to the Principal on all issues regarding Child Protection. Help with TASC applications for special consideration. Write articles for the School weekly newsletter Ancanthe. Support the Academic Management Team with writing and reviewing School policies and procedures. Page 5 of 8
KEY RESULT AREAS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT To engage in Professional Development opportunities and meet AHPRA standards for annual CPD requirements. WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY Contribute to a healthy and safe environment for all. Take reasonable care of your own health and safety. Comply with all relevant policies and procedures. Follow reasonable work requests or directions as related to work health and safety. Participate in relevant WH&S training programs as required. Documenting, reporting of hazards and unsafe work practices. GENERAL Attend Academic Management, as well as other section meetings as determined by the Principal. Respond to concerns from parents and the wider community through a timely and thorough process, keeping the Principal informed at all times. Support the Christian ethos of the School. Undertake additional duties as requested by the Principal. Page 6 of 8
SELECTION CRITERIA QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE (ESSENTIAL) Relevant tertiary degree. Must be fully registered with the Psychology Board of Australia under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Understanding of current theory and research relating to girls mental health. Demonstrate a good knowledge of legislation, compliance, policies and procedures as relevant to this position Have experience working in a school setting from Kindergarten to Year 12. Possess excellent written and interpersonal communication skills Demonstrate highly developed counselling skills with capacity to interact with students, parents and staff. Be able to create and present professional learning to a range of audiences. Be able to assist in developing and consulting on a range of preventative programs for students. Ability to liaise professionally with staff, students, parents, external providers and external clients Demonstrated experience in dealing appropriately with highly confidential and sensitive information. Working with Children Registration (WWCR) Criminal Conviction Check Page 7 of 8
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Possess a positive outlook, exceptional interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence with demonstrated ability to build authentic, collaborative relationships. Display empathy, commitment, resilience and be highly motivated to contribute. Have a strong moral and ethical compass and cultivate credibility & honesty Outstanding professional presentation and manner Proven ability to work collaboratively and energetically within a dynamic organisation Commitment to the principles of equal opportunity in education for all students; and A willingness to work within the School's Christian ethos and support the values and philosophy of the School DESIRABLE CRITERIA Driver s license Full Membership with Australian Psychological Society (APS) Teaching qualifications Page 8 of 8